This mansion was built about 1773 for John Cator (1728-1806). It is rather
similar to Damson Park, Welling, Bexley, designed by Sir Robert Taylor in
1765 and may be by him. It is built of ashlar and has 3 storeys. The main
front faces south-east. 7 windows. The ground floor has long and short
quoins and a stringcourse above it. Cornice above the second floor and
blocking course. Hipped slate roof. In the centre is a curved bay of 3
windows on all floors. A modern balcony has been added to its 1st floor
with an outside staircase leading up to it, as the principal rooms are on
the 1st floor on this side of the house. The sides of the building have
4 windows each. On the north-west side is a central projection of which
the sides are rusticated on the ground floor with, above, a large
tripartite window. The centre light of this is round-headed and flanked
by engaged Ionic columns with a pediment ever. The outer lights are
flanked by Doric pilasters with a cornice over. 2 windows on the 2nd
floor of each side. The north-west front of this projection forms a
portico said to have been added in 1787 and brought from Wricklemarsh
House, Blackheath. This gives entrance to the house at 1st floor level.
4 giant composite columns rising through 2 storeys support a pediment
containing a cartouche of the arms of the Cator family set in foliage
with the motto "Nihil sine labore". The portico contains a central
doorway flanked by engaged Ionic columns with a projecting cornice over
and rectangular fanlight. On each side of the doorway is a niche
containing a statue. The principal feature of the interior is a central
hall with a gallery and a small circular dome. The contemporary stables
to the north-east of the house stand within the Borough of Lewisham in
the County of London, NMR photograph.

Listing NGR: TQ3785970706

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number: 358443

Legacy System: LBS

Legal

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

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